Can the VA refuse to treat a 100% service-connected veteran citing their case as "too complex," and also refuse to outsource them for care?

I greatly appreciate the suggestion. Yes, I've spent years contacting the patient advocates by phone, through their "red" phone hotline within the VA, and even by going to their office in person (a 3-hour round-trip drive each time)-- but have either never gotten a reply or they tell me they are not the right office to help me. Even the senator's caseworker asked/suggested the same thing. I'm glad I have always kept an intact "paper trail" of everything. It's the only thing that saved me in 31 years of claim appeals, which finally the VA is agreeing with. Sure would have saved a ton of money and resources on everyone's end if someone there had just read the same evidence carefully decades ago. Such a frustrating system, most of the time.

PFC Joe Fugo - I sure hope nobody harassed you over anything you wrote. I don't think you disrespected anyone here! Freedom of speech? Thanks for sharing your story and suggestions.

I live in Maryland where not much is open locally in our county at least, but the VA is in Washington, DC. I know for the most part they seem to be operating, but that doesn’t seem to change the stuff they are refusing to cover.

PO3 Kenneth Suvanto Wow, I’m so sorry you are going through so much also. Your pain sounds very similar to mine. I have plates and screws in my neck and lower back and they are both basically falling apart. Like you, I can’t get a second of the day without paying that makes me want to actually black out. Just had another block under sedation yesterday and they said it is now “severe“ at the level of the neck fusion, which was my original service-connected injury. I still can’t believe I only had 10% for that injury for over 31 years, and they finally raised it to a full whopping 30% - – unbelievable. My “VA refusal“ issue has gotten worse this past week – – now even saying they won’t continue to get me the disposable heat wraps I’ve been wearing 24/7 for years to at least keep some of the spasm in my lower back and abdomen down. About four months ago I chose to get off of decades of responsibly used opiate pain medication to see what was on the other side, and of all things I am somehow still in ongoing, protracted withdrawal, which nobody understands “why.“ All of the muscle rigidity and sneezing fits are just making my back and neck so much worse. Like you, at this point I’m getting almost no sleep except for drugged sleep (by prescription) and M only left with Tylenol, lidocaine patches and heat/ice. I am allergic to so many medications there aren’t many options unless I want to go back on the obvious which I don’t. but I am almost at a breaking point. The abdominal pain I was also greatly using the opiate medication for also is now so bad I literally cannot eat. My body is a royal mess right now, from vitals to breathing to all kinds of stuff. Your issue sound so familiar! I’m usually active and upbeat regardless of what I’m facing, but I’m out of steam and about out of “fight.” They (VA or community providers where I have a some coverage through my commercial insurance) also have no idea how to help me and I can’t go inpatient because of COVID due to immunosuppression from diseases and medications. It really sucks if I’m being honest. And no, you’re not hijacking the thread at all! I truly appreciate you sharing and knowing there are other people who understand from the inside, as sad as it makes me for you. The VA seems to fight me at nearly every turn about medications, DME, care… You name it. I am mostly using the Washington, DC VAMC, and I’m already tapped into multiple department chiefs and still not getting anywhere. It always seems like they sort of want to help but then don’t. But I have to rely heavily on their system for my care and supplies or I would’ve already gone elsewhere. Thanks again for your comments and chiming in, Ken. What state are you in?

SSgt Lisa J. Markland - Wow, SSgt Lisa Ma'am. We are to complex for them to want to deal with us. That's why I got a lawyer, I can't and don't want to fight the VA anymore. It's gotten to the point, I dread the days I wake up after fighting all night onluy to have a drug induced sleep lol. At this point, I don't kn ow what to do. I'm in N.W, Missouri...2 hrs from Omaha to the North or Kansas city 2 hrs. south. I'll try to keep in touch with you as we are in the same boat it sounds like. It is 00:21 a.m. and I need to get in my rack...later for now, Sincerely Ken

PFC Joe Fugo - Get back with your senator and let him/her know what happened. Now you need an attorney...they shouldn't do that stuff to you. Maybe that's why I have trouble at the VA lol...I'm a gonna look into that Sir Joe!

PFC Joe Fugo - I've had the same Therapist at the No Good VA for over 25 years...I would have to say for mental health, they are the best. They have helped me when the MD at the VA wouldn't. I filed a claim, so I won't have to use the No Good VA for medical issues. I do have Medicare and use it and am willing to pay the deductible and stupid 20%. I had to file a claim so I can afford to pay these costs. My attorney took my case so, I sure hope I win my silly, stupid claim for Aid and Attendance. In the past, the VA paid for me to go to civilian doctors to treat my ailments. I think a lot of veterans with issues are sedated after awhile and can't protest like they did for Floyd. If you marched against the clinics, they pick you up and throw you in a treatment program. Once your tour of duty or military career is over, you become Government property and they can do whatever they want to to you. Dang, if they diagnose you with PTSD, the Van with little men in white coats can come and pick you up! I too have been going to the No Good VA for quite some time and realize what they can do to you...I don't think they really care about the suicide rate. Take care Sir Joe. Sincerely Ken

That's how it's "supposed" to work, esp under the MISSION Act, but in reality I wait soooo many months (at times years!) to get something covered or find a provider, or the VA never pays the providers they refer to and the doctors threaten to sue me (even if they'd lose, I don't need that to deal with)... and I spend every last ounce of energy fighting to not lose whoever I was referred to and get them paid (when it does happen, which is always a huge hassle; I've been waiting for one referral since the order was put in December 18, 2019 and the VA itself won't treat me), leaving me where I get sicker or further permanently injured, such as needing entirely preventable surgery, etc. I feel pretty confident in 'working the system' thanks to some awesome vets the first time I went to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 2002, but yet here I am, being refused care AND referrals outside the VA where the VA itself won't treat me. Sorry for the rant. Just frustrated and today I had the second dental (outsourced provider) visit this week that couldn't wait for the VA to authorize, since that's taking MONTHS at best and it was urgent. I'm not well enough to drive the nearly 3-hours round-trip to the DC VA where I get most of my care; the local CBOC has NO PCP for me either, so I have to find docs and nurses willing to prescribe things, which also gets dropped and never done.

This sounds like a facility issue, and not a VA in general issue. I have gotten my Choice stuff pushed through with out issue. Meds come in quickly, even had the VA pharmacist call me about one Rx. I am thinking the Community Care people are ATFU, this should not be happening.